KK (23 August 1968 – 31 May 2022), born Krishnakumar Kunnath, was an Indian playback singer whose warm, emotional voice made him one of Bollywood’s most loved singers. Songs such as “Tadap Tadap”, “Aankhon Mein Teri”, “Khuda Jaane”, “Zara Sa” and “Tu Jo Mila” became the soundtrack of a generation. He also sang one of India’s best-loved friendship songs, “Yaaron”. His sudden death after a concert in Kolkata shocked the country.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Krishnakumar Kunnath |
| Born | 23 August 1968, Delhi, India |
| Died | 31 May 2022, Kolkata (aged 53) |
| Profession | Playback singer |
| Education | Kirori Mal College, Delhi University |
| Debut album | Pal (1999) |
| Spouse | Jyothy Krishna |
| Children | Nakul, Tamara |
Early Life
KK was born in Delhi to a Malayali family and studied at Kirori Mal College. He never had formal training in classical music. His idols were Kishore Kumar and R. D. Burman. After briefly working in hotel marketing, he moved to Mumbai in 1994 to try his luck in music.
Career
In Mumbai, KK first became one of the busiest jingle singers in advertising and reportedly recorded thousands of jingles. His film break came with a portion of “Chhod Aaye Hum” in Maachis (1996).
“Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) established him as a major playback singer. The same year he released his debut album, Pal. Its songs “Pal” and “Yaaron” became anthems for school and college farewells across India.
Through the 2000s and 2010s KK delivered hit after hit. They include “Dus Bahane”, “Aankhon Mein Teri”, “Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai”, “Khuda Jaane”, “Zara Sa”, “Dil Ibaadat” and “Tu Jo Mila”. He sang in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali. He was admired for his humility and for staying away from awards politics and publicity.
Personal Life and Death
KK married his childhood sweetheart, Jyothy, in 1991, and they had two children, Nakul and Tamara. On 31 May 2022 he performed at a crowded college concert in Kolkata. He fell ill soon afterwards and was declared dead at a hospital, reportedly after a cardiac arrest. He was 53. Tributes poured in from across the film and music world.
Legacy
Popular Songs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was KK born?
KK was born on 23 August 1968 in Delhi, India.
When did KK die?
Died: 31 May 2022, Kolkata (aged 53).
